Someone was chosen for jury duty and the same someone ate her way through downtown Martinez. Here are a few munchies and places to hang while fulfilling your civic duty.

States Coffee x Bread

I can never get enough States. I previously featured them here and I am still a big fan (PS They’ve got a few more locations throughout the East Bay now, too). Their Martinez space has expanded since my last visit so there is lots of room to spread out. I am currently obsessed with their Earl Grey Lattes, both hot and iced. Their savory toasts are always a yes, too. I definitely came here more than once during my jury duty service.

Taco Daddy’s

Get on over here for tacos, burritos, bowls, … and get here quick. The lunch crowd keeps this place busy. I later learned you can place your order online, so protip: do that instead! There is indoor and outdoor dining, but I took my lunch to the park a short walk away.

Ginger Thai

I could have brought my own lunch but I wanted to try all the things. In comes Thai iced tea and pad see ew from Ginger Thai. I got take out and lunched on the library bench to people watch and get some fresh air.

Barrelista Coffee

It was slightly misty, but fun to sit on the Barrelista sidewalk patio space with my Panino Florentino and iced rose latte. The mason jar comes with the drink, and if you bring it back on your next visit you get a cup discount. Oh, and I spotted a horse (an apparently normal Martinez sighting).

Guava Island Eats

On my last day of jury service I had an island bowl with guava noods from Guava Island Eats. So good. So full. I would come back to Martinez just to eat this again.

Assorted things I learned:

• Metal forks are not allowed in the court rooms.
• Jury duty can be a great break from work responsibilities.
• Martinez has upped their snackage game.

Share some of your Martinez must tries below!